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September 17, 2009

Some Lifepak-brand defibrillators recalled

by Sam Savage

A federal agency announced the recall of certain Lifepak CR-plus automated external defibrillators because they may malfunction in extremely high humidity.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the Class I recall was initiated because extremely humid environments might cause the devices to improperly analyze heart rhythms, delaying or failing to deliver therapy.

The devices are used by emergency or medical personnel to treat patients in cardiac arrest. The device analyzes an unconscious patient's heart rhythm and instructs the user to press a button that delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm.

The FDA said the defibrillators were manufactured and distributed July 9, 2008, through August 19, 2008, by Physio-Control Inc. of Redmond, Wash.

Class I recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of a product will cause serious injury or death.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the company at 800-442-1142.